Sport class profiles

The following are incomplete descriptions providing a very general profile of each sport class. These descriptions are by no means complete, and an athlete may display certain characteristics of higher or lower sport classes.

Class 0.5

Typical role on court

Main role is as blocker, not a major ball handler

Chair skills/function

Because of extensive proximal shoulder weakness and lack of triceps function forward head bob present when pushing

Because of lack of triceps, pulls on back part of the wheel for push stroke using biceps by bending elbows; elbows are also out to side when pushing (called an “unopposed biceps push”)

Because of wrist extensor weakness and lack of other wrist and hand function, may use forearm on wheel for starts, turns and stops

Ball skills/function

Because of proximal shoulder weakness, arm and wrist weakness, traps direct passes on lap or bats it in from limited range

Bats ball using “underhand volleyball pass” for longer range pass or for shorter range pass uses “scoop pass” with the ball forward to the side uses a two-hand toss

Class 1.0

Typical role on court

Blocker, may in-bound ball, not a major ball handler

Chair skills/function

Because of proximal shoulder weakness and triceps weakness, may have slight head bob when pushing, but has a longer push on wheel (combination of push and pull on back part of wheel)

Because of increased strength in upper chest and shoulders, multidirectional start, stop and turn (Can turn in all directions without stopping; easier and faster turning than 0.5 athlete; but because of triceps and wrist weakness, 1.0 athlete may still use forearm)